Two More Australian Sunscreens Pulled from Shelves Amid Ongoing SPF Controversy

Of the 20 sunscreens submitted for testing, 16 of the products failed to return a result in line with its SPF claims.

The most significant failure, according to Choice, was found in Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen – which returned a result of just four.

“Despite doing rigorous testing of this sunscreen the first time, we were so perturbed by the results that we decided to delay publishing and test a different batch of the Ultra Violette sunscreen at a completely different lab in Germany to confirm the results,” said De Silva. “Those results came back with a reported SPF of 5, almost identical to our initial test.”

A spokesperson for Ultra Violette responded to the findings immediately, calling the results not “even remotely accurate” and reminding consumers that “the TGA, not Choice Magazine, are the recognised authority governing sunscreens in Australia.”

“Ultra Violette most recently completed testing for Lean Screen in 2021 (with results of SPF of 64.32 to allow for an SPF 50+ rating) as required to support our listing on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), and again in 2024 in accordance with the FDA standard revealing consistent results for UVB,” the spokesperson continued.

“At Ultra Violette we take misleading claims made about our products very seriously. As a suncare brand founded in Australia, the country with the highest skin cancer rates in the world, we are too familiar with the fearmongering that exists in this category. We find this study counterintuitive and not at all in the best interest of consumers.”

The product has since been recalled, with Ultra Violette releasing a later statement acknowledging the inconsistencies.

“We had multiple, independent labs conduct new tests of Lean Screen. This week, we received results from those tests that demonstrated significant and, candidly, atypical variability. Across eight different tests, Lean Screen has now returned SPF data of 4, 10, 21, 26, 33, 60, 61, and 64. That wasn’t good enough for us, and it isn’t good enough for you.

“Given this pattern of inconsistency in testing, we have decided to recall Lean/Velvet Screen from the market, effective immediately. Purchases of this product will be eligible for a refund and a product voucher, regardless of where it was purchased.

“We are deeply sorry that one of our products has fallen short of the standards we pride ourselves on and that you have come to expect of us.”

Da Silva reiterated the importance of continuing to wear and apply sunscreen regularly, stressing that while some of the sunscreens failed to meet their SPF claims, any sunscreen was always better than wearing none.

“But, once again, sunscreen isn’t a shield. Even SPF 50+ sunscreens let UV rays through, so we’d like to use this opportunity to recommend all the usual advice: wear a hat, stay in the shade, wear sunglasses. Don’t stay in the direct sunlight for sustained amounts of time, apply and reapply sunscreen, and get regular skin check-ups.”

“Sunscreens are a vital tool in the fight against skin cancer and sun damage,” added Rafi Alam, CHOICE senior campaigns and policy adviser.

“We’re calling on the TGA and ACCC to start an investigation into these sunscreen brands to ensure they are complying with the consumer laws and medical standards that keep us safe.”

You can read the full brand responses to the Choice findings here.